Ride in silence to honor victims of traffic violence on May 21, 2025

An international annual event, The Ride of Silence brings together community members who have been affected by traffic violence. Here in Pittsburgh, the ride is organized by the Western PA Bicycle Club with support from Women@Work Cycling Club and BikePGH.

On this day, bicyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor bicyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although bicyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the public often isn’t aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of cyclists themselves.

BikePGH is glad to support this event every year because we believe that every person has the right to safely use our streets as pedestrians and bicyclists without fear of death or serious injury. This is the work that we are committed to every day, but traffic violence is still happening in our city. From unsafe street design to irresponsible driving, bicyclists are at risk every day, and loved ones have been lost.

Honoring and remembering the lives of our friends and family who have been hit by motorists is an important part of this day. We invite you to ride in silence with us as a way to honor those we’ve lost and demonstrate the need for change to protect the lives of others.

Learn more about our advocacy to end road deaths in Pittsburgh.

Event Details:

When: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 [Rain or Shine, except lightning will cancel]

Time: 6:45 pm announcements, 7:00 pm ride begins (Please come early to sign a waiver + Grab a diy sign or poster to put on your bike, if you’d like. We’ll provide sign-making supplies.)

Starting Location: Highland Park (Reservoir Dr & Highland Ave)

This is a free event

We’ll ride about 10 miles from Highland Park to Homewood and back via a relatively flat route that highlights both good biking infrastructure and areas that would benefit from safety improvements to prevent future traffic violence.

Along the way we will pay homage to the memorials of Will Theisen and 9 year old Courtney Carter who were both killed by drivers while biking in their neighborhoods. We will be joined by youth and community members for part of the route in Homewood.

The group will stay together, maintaining a slow, reflective pace (<12 mph). Riders will observe silence during the ride, talking only as necessary. Please wear a helmet.

Questions? Contact Robin at womenatworkcyclingclub@gmail.com